Beaches musical (and writing for Bette Midler)

[IlanaKeller]

I spoke with Iris Rainer Dart, the author of "Beaches" about retooling her TWO musicals that are eyeing Broadway runs (and how Bette Midler prompted one - and not the one you think!).

She's workshopping "Beaches" right now in NYC and is in the middle of the West Coast premiere of "The People in the Picture," which had a limited run at Roundabout in 2011, and earned Donna Murphy a Tony nomination. 

Would you want to see either of these shows on Broadway?

'Beaches' author heats things up with two Broadway-aimed musicals

[Anakela]

That Indecent story is so random. I read that part of your article twice and I still don’t understand why it’s included.

For someone who seemed to have an issue with how her characters were written in the Beaches films, I would’ve asked Ms Rainer Dart to explain what exactly was happening with her characters in the book Beaches 2. But that’s why they don’t let me interview people.

[IlanaKeller]

Anakela said: "That Indecent story is so random. I read that part of your article twice and I still don’t understand why it’s included."

Hiya -- Both "The People In The Picture" and "Indecent" are, of course, looks at the Jewish arts world in Eastern Europe leading up to the Holocaust. Being that they share the same time period/topic, and it's a topic Ms. Rainer Dart is passionate about, I wanted to get her thoughts on "Indecent." She then shared with me both her daughter's connection to the show and the fact that they both had relied on the expertise of Mr. Rosenfeld. 

I always think it is interesting to look at the ways different productions can approach the same topic, and especially as a very recent show, I think "Indecent" would come to mind to people reading about "The People in the Picture."

Hope that clears up any confusion, otherwise let me know and I'd be glad to discuss it more.

[BrodyFosse123]

Hope that clears up any confusion, otherwise let me know and I'd be glad to discuss it more.

A reader should not have to contact a journalist to explain things.  The article written should be fully rounded and explained.  99% of whoever reads your article will not contact you asking questions.  If your point doesn't come across, time to re-edit it so it does.  

[Anakela]

I understood your words.

I did not understand why the story was included.

"If the themes of "The People in the Picture" sound similar to last season's drama "Indecent," there's even more of a connection between the two than you may think."

Who is the 'you' who is thinking this? Me the reader? I'm one of the handful of people who saw The People in the Picture. At no point in your article did I think "whoa, this sounds like Indecent, I wonder if there's a connection."

I did, though, think "what a random story about Indecent to drop into this article." And it's what I still think.

[Up In One]

I had seen the Beaches musical in Chicago and it had much the same issue I thought Sister Act had on Broadway - they both were missing Marc Shaiman's contributions and sensibilities. The music from the film was missed and the music written for the stage made no impression. It didn't help that "Wind Beneath My Wings" was included letting an ear worm further overshadow a weak score. That production and script was pretty much a by the numbers musicalization, There was no inventive use of the genre and starred a belting diva where an eccentric charmer should have been cast. It never answered the question why is this a musical? Yes, it was not the film or the book - each of which had its own level of success. The author should understand what was special about her book and the film and figure out how to transcend those elements through the musical theater idiom. Otherwise Netflix and a paperback would suffice. 

[Don T Bradshaw]

That's a little harsh. People communicate, hear things, and decipher things in different ways even if the writing is impeccable. You did right in asking a question. It's up to people to decided whether they think it's their worth in time to write and ask. Thank you, Don

[markypoo]

I saw the stage version also; and while it was professionally executed, it was nevertheless entirely predictable. And I never even saw the movie.

[IlanaKeller]

BrodyFosse123 said: "Hope that clears up any confusion, otherwise let me know and I'd be glad to discuss it more.

A reader should not have to contact a journalist to explain things. The article written should be fully rounded andexplained. 99% of whoever reads your article will not contact you asking questions. If your point doesn't come across, time to re-edit it so it does."

People are, of course, more than welcome to contact me with any feedback at any time. Hearing from readers is an integral part of connecting with the communities we cover and providing meaningful information and stories.

That said, this stands as the one question I have received about the issue. While I am glad to take the time to explain my thought process, and everyone's thoughts and interpretations are different, I don't think this is a case of widespread confusion, undue correlation or missed points.  

Brody, if I may ask, did you read the story and have the same question, or are you merely responding to the interaction here?

Anakela said: "I understood your words.

I did not understand why the story was included.

"If the themes of "The People in the Picture"sound similar to last season's drama "Indecent," there's even more of a connection between the two than you may think."

Who is the 'you' who is thinking this? Me the reader? I'm one of the handful of people who saw The People in the Picture. At no point in your article did I think "whoa, this sounds like Indecent, I wonder if there's a connection."

I did, though, think "what a random story about Indecent to drop into this article." And it's what I still think."

Thank you for sharing your thoughts.

It always is interesting what strikes some people and what doesn't. To others, it is an immediate correlation, and to some, it wouldn't occur at all, it seems. To see two shows essentially share the same genesis and share differences as well as similarities is fascinating to me. While not the time and place for a full comparison, finding out that they share some of the same creative team is part of that interest and worthy of mention, I believe. If a revival of "Peter Pan" were to come out next season, it would be remiss not to mention "Finding Neverland" in some capacity. I suppose to some it may not be interesting, but that's what makes the world go round. And afterall, the words "if" and "may" are used - a clear acknowledgement that something may not apply to you. And you are certainly welcome to continue to think it's random - a jolt of the unexpected can keep things interesting.  

[IlanaKeller]

Up In One said: "I had seen the Beaches musical in Chicago andit had much the same issue I thought Sister Act had on Broadway - they both were missing Marc Shaiman's contributions and sensibilities. The music from the film was missed and the music written for the stage made no impression.It didn't help that "Wind Beneath My Wings" was included letting an ear worm furtherovershadowa weak score. That production and script was pretty much a by the numbers musicalization, There was no inventive use of the genre and starred a belting diva where an eccentric charmer should have been cast. It never answered the question why is this a musical? Yes, it was not the film or the book - each of which had its own level of success. The author should understand what was special about her book and the film and figure out how to transcend those elements through the musical theater idiom. Otherwise Netflix and a paperback would suffice."

Great questions, and hopefully ones that are being addressed. Ms. Rainer Dart did mention that a regret of hers was that "The People In The Picture" never had an out-of-town run in order to see what really worked and what didn't, and that she is excited that "Beaches" now is getting that chance. It will be interesting to see what changes between Chicago and the other US run, and then the London run next year.